As the US ramps up its intentions to remove the social media app TikTok, the UK faces pressure to do the same thing.
Increased Pressure on the U.K. Government
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is being urged by members of his own party and other governments worldwide to take a tougher stance on TikTok.
US TikTok Legislation
The increased pressure to act comes as the US government imposed a new piece of legislation that could see the app banned sooner rather than later.
House of Representatives Approve Bill
A bill proposed by Rep. Adam Schiff has been passed by the US House of Representatives, which could see the app banned across the country.
Chinese Government Connections
TikTok, one of the world’s most popular social media apps, has caused world leaders to be cautious due to its connections with the Chinese government.
Breaching National Security
Many are worried that the Chinese-owned app is being used by the Chinese government to store data that could breach national security.
Former Tory Leader Calls for Ban
In the UK, many MPs, including former Conservative leader Iaan Duncan Smith, call for the app to be banned.
UK Should Act
Smith argued that the UK should’ve imposed the ban before the US, putting pressure on Sunak to take action.
“We Should Follow America”
According to Smith, “We should follow America. We should have done it ourselves. I’ve called for a ban before,” he said.
TikTok Issue Stern Response
In response to the legislation being passed in the US, TikTok issued a statement suggesting the company was not happy with the decision.
Foreign Aid as “Cover”
TikTok’s statement expressed the app’s disappointment in the move, accusing the US government of using foreign aid as a “cover” to regulate free speech.
Businesses at Risk
According to TikTok, the US decision will “devastate” millions of businesses while stopping the $24 billion in investment that TikTok brings to the US economy.
TikTok’s Statement Revealed
With the US also placing foreign aid to Israel and Ukraine on the bill, TikTok announced it was “unfortunate that the House Of Representatives is using the cover of important foreign aid.”
Government to “Trample” Free Speech
TikTok accused the US government of using “humanitarian assistance to once again jam through a ban bill that would trample the free speech rights of 170 million Americans.”
Seven Million Business at Risk
TikTok insisted that the government would risk “seven million businesses” by not allowing them to use the app’s promotional value, with some basing an entire business model on it.
Importance of TikTok
In response to the possibility of the app being banned in the UK, TikTok released a statement underscoring the importance of the app to UK residents.
UK Business Promotion a Factor
TikTok claimed, “TikTok is enjoyed by tens of millions of people in the U.K. and used by 1.5 million businesses to reach customers and increase sales.”
Prioritising National Security
An ex-Tory Minister, Lord Bethell, has also urged Sunak to issue the ban, arguing that the country needs to “prioritise” its “national security.”
UK Government Does Not Specify
The UK government recently issued a statement that did not specify a time for when a ban would be announced, if ever.
Number 10’s Statement
A spokesperson for Number 10 released a brief statement asserting that the government would “not hesitate to take further action if necessary to protect our national security.”
Status of TikTok Pending
The status of TikTok in the UK is being closely watched by businesses and political leaders and is likely to develop further in the coming weeks.
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The post Politicians Pile Pressure on Sunak to Ban TikTok After US Legislate first appeared on Edge Media.
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Oscar Davies, an expert in US and UK politics and sports, is renowned for his sharp and engaging writing style, appealing to a broad spectrum of readers.